CHAT News file photo

By Darren Rathwell

Fix the old ones or build new?

City officials eye possibility of permanent recreation facility closures

Sep 16, 2021 | 10:08 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Re-open or keep them closed. Those are the potential futures for three recreation facilities under review by City of Medicine Hat officials as part of a comprehensive recreational operation plan.

The Crestwood Recreation Centre, the Moose Recreation Centre and Heights Pool are all currently closed and may never be re-opened.

“We’re undertaking the community engagement process which we essentially kicked off (this week) to talk to community stakeholders and the community at large to determine what our needs going forward,” said City of Medicine Hat director of parks and recreation James Will.

Coun. Kris Samraj says in the case of the Moose Recreation Centre, replacing it with a new multi-rink facility would be more cost-effective.

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For example, the city would reduce costs by cutting down on duplication of maintenance costs, he says.

“We do need to save money given the city’s financial picture,” Samraj says.

“Even if you live near a rink it’s unlikely you will walk there because of all of the equipment you have. I think there’s something to be said about multi-sheet rinks,” he added.

Another possibility under the city’s new recreational facility plan is the consolidation of all outdoor pools in Medicine Hat.

“We don’t have a predetermined outcome as far as ”do we close the places like Hill Pool,’ but it’s certainly a possibility,” Will said.

City Hall began working on a parks and recreation facility master plan earlier this year when it became clear the Moose and Crestwood centres and Heights Pool wouldn’t reopen immediately.

The Moose Recreation Centre needs an ice slab replacement worth $1.2 million while Crestwood requires $7.5 million in repairs and upgrades over five to eight years.

The recreation master plan has already had public consultation with the public, but the city plans to seek out more public feedback in the future.

Echo Dale Regional Park is included in the review. The city report recommends changes like high-end camping and an amphitheatre.

However, no timeline for any potential changes has been laid out.